Counting down the 2013 Chargers' top 22 performers, we introduce one of Tom Telesco's better acquisitions.

Player: Danny Woodhead

Age: 29

What went right: Woodhead was deadly on third downs, much as Darren Sproles was for the Chargers before joining the Saints in 2011. As he made a habit of getting open and catching passes, or blocking blitzers, or rushing for yards, the Chargers built a foundation to their overall success. They won on third down in 49 percent of their attempts, the best rate in the NFL. In 2012, they were at just 37.8 percent and 15th in the league.

Danny Woodhead moved the sticks. Thirty-one of his catches went for first downs. The only NFL running back with more was Jamaal Charles, who played about 330 more snaps than Woodhead.

And he was a big part of the Chargers’ new approach to offense that served them well on all downs, not just third downs. The Chargers worked without huddling. Not always, but far more than they had under Norv Turner. What that meant is both the Chargers and their opponent were less able to substitute, which rewarded players who were versatile and smart. Philip Rivers soon found he could count on Woodhead. In a similar system, Woodhead had worked with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. The Chargers relied him on him more than the Patriots ever had.

Woodhead played in all 18 games. He caught 81 passes, most among NFL running backs (playoffs included). His catch rate of 91 percent led the team, and he was never penalized.

With 76 receptions during the season, Woodhead beat his career mark by 34. He gained 1,034 yards from scrimmage, eclipsing his best total by 287. There were several big moments -- the two touchdown catches in the victory over the Cowboys; two more touchdowns in the win at Kansas City, where the Chiefs hadn't lost; and a 5-yard scoring run at Cincinnati, his ninth TD in all, in the team's first playoff victory in five years.

Who was the NFL's best free-agent acquisition in 2013? There are several players to consider. Here are a few: pass rushers Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett helped the Seahawks get to and win the Super Bowl, and Anquan Boldin made a lot of important catches for the 49ers, who reached the NFC Championship Game. Put Woodhead in the conversation. On the salary dollar, his returns were spectacular.

What went wrong: With the Chargers trailing the underdog Raiders by 14 points, former Chargers linebacker Kevin Burnett knocked the ball from Woodhead and Charles Woodson returned the fumble 25 yards for a touchdown late in the third quarter. The Raiders would win, 27-17.

In the losses to Oakland and Washington, Woodhead was stopped short on a rush from the opponent’s 1 and the Chargers ended up without a touchdown. Rivers would say he changed the call from a pass to a run on each attempt. Against Oakland, Johnnie Troutman missed a block and Woodhead’s run lane disappeared. Against Washington, several defenders got the jump on Chargers blockers.

Pro Bowl nomination: Woodhead's 429 yards rushing wasn't going to get him to the Pro Bowl. Antonio Gates said Woodhead still belonged, saying a new category should be created to honor his work.

Looking ahead to 2014: The two-year, $3.5 million contract Telesco issued last March stipulates a $1.75 million salary for 2014. Woodhead and Ryan Mathews look to form one of the better running back-tandems in the NFL.